'Ambitious' housing programme launched

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing has started a subsidiary to develop new build homes.

Brighter Horizons, a registered charity will bring forward an 'ambitious annual development programme of new home building'.

The charity’s trustees include representatives from RBH, Rochdale Borough Council, plus several independent housing professionals.

Lee Sugden, executive director of resources at Wakefield and District Housing, who was born and grew up in Rochdale.

Gareth Swarbrick, RBH chief executive, said: “The housing market may be struggling at the moment, but the need for quality new homes is as strong as ever. (Arm’s length management organisations) are in a great position to work with their partner local authorities to deliver these.

“The development undertaken by Brighter Horizons will meet housing needs as well as support wider regeneration priorities in the borough.”

A planning decision is imminent for the first Brighter Horizons scheme which should deliver 18 bungalows and four family homes at Croft Street, Rochdale.